Mental health awareness is growing and becoming a point of focus in the world, including the world of sports. Athletes at all levels want to be on top of their mental health game so that they are putting in their best performances and can live with enjoyment. Although this article can't replace a therapist or mental health specialist, these 5 quotes can inspire you to be your best and maybe even improve your mental health in the process.

“If you're going through hell, keep going.”- Winston Churchill

To be simple, everyone goes through hard times. If you are in one of those tough times, it is easy to forget that it is only a season. Keep going through life and doing the right things and eventually, you will be through hell and back to the good times. To get there, just keep moving forward.

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“There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.”- Fred Rogers

Suffering is normal at times–everyone goes through it at one point or another. Dealing with the suffering by accepting it at times, and at other times trying to find a solution, can be the start of growth in your life. Growth will only make you stronger and better suited to deal with adversity in the future so it might be time to embrace the struggle.

“Change what you can, manage what you can't.”- Raymond McCauley

So much of mental health is anxiety about what is coming up in your life. So when you have a lot going on in your life and you are starting to feel overwhelmed, make a list. Act upon everything on the list you can change and cross each task off after you have dealt with it. As for the things you can't change, look at them, really think about the expectations of the events, realize that it likely won't be too big of a deal, and then cross them off as well since you can't change them.

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“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means you were put to the test and you didn't fall apart.”- Linda Poindexter

We all have our pasts but if your past has created a wound(mental or physical), it does not mean that everything is wrong and you are broken beyond repair. In fact, it means quite the opposite: you are stronger than you were, you fixed yourself up, which so many are not able to do, and you are dealing with your situation currently to become even greater. Cracks are opportunities–if you keep fixing, then you will only ever be stronger.

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.”-Albus Dumbledore

When it feels like everyone and everything is going down, just pause for a second. Focus on your breath and your breath alone. Think of something good and relish the thought. Then, seek that good thought out if you can–for example, if your good thought is a memory with your family, give them a call. In the bad times, find a light, no matter how small

Mental health matters just as much as physical health. If you are ever feeling low, remember these quotes and tips and know you will get through it. They say there is always greener grass on the other side–so no matter what you're going through, just keep moving forward.

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* Originally published on August 25, 2022, by Scott Abramson